Pregnancy is often described as a time of anticipation and joy, but for women living with diabetes, it can become a treacherous journey marked by fear, uncertainty, and intense physical and emotional strain. Diabetes, particularly when not well-managed, significantly increases the risks faced by both mother and child during pregnancy and childbirth. For many, the most haunting concern is the threat of slow-healing wounds, especially following surgical procedures like caesarean sections. This risk looms heavily, turning what should be a moment of celebration into a prolonged battle for survival.
Pauline*, now 57, is one such mother who knows this struggle intimately. Having lived with diabetes for decades, she was accustomed to its daily demands. Yet nothing prepared her for the ordeal she endured during the birth of her third child. Her first two pregnancies had already required C-sections, but those recoveries had been manageable. This time, everything changed. Her appetite diminished significantly, complicating her ability to maintain her diet and medication schedule. By the time she went into labour, her energy was depleted, and her body was ill-prepared for the physical stress of another surgery.
Following the birth, complications escalated rapidly. Pauline’s newborn son faced severe respiratory issues and was rushed to the ICU. He was later diagnosed with jaundice, adding to her anguish. Meanwhile, Pauline was confined to her hospital bed, her surgical wound refusing to heal. The sutures failed, necessitating a second surgery. Her recovery was agonizingly slow, compounded by her poor nutrition and erratic blood sugar levels. She endured painful insulin injections and a constant struggle with weight loss and exhaustion, all while her body failed to produce enough milk for her fragile infant.
The emotional toll was just as severe. Isolated in her suffering, Pauline fought to regain control over her body and her life. Hospital staff tried to help her with nutrition, but her condition worsened. In desperation, she turned to herbal remedies, which brought their own set of complications. Her recovery seemed elusive until an unusual suggestion from her doctor prompted her to try a nightly glass of Guinness beer. The alcohol, to her surprise, improved her sleep and appetite, helping her regain some strength. Encouraged, she returned to school, hoping to move forward. But fate had more in store—her baby was diagnosed with diabetes, a discovery that shattered her emotionally.
Disillusioned by the medical system, Pauline withdrew from her treatment, convinced that profit motives overshadowed patient care. Over time, she accepted her condition and now channels her experiences into supporting other women navigating the complex intersection of diabetes and pregnancy.
Another woman, Njeri Kimani, faced her own challenges after being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2022. Her condition, manageable at first, spiraled out of control during her pregnancy two years later. Her blood sugar soared to dangerous levels, forcing her into a rigid routine of insulin and Glucophage. Financial strain added to her burden, with medical costs exceeding Sh85,000. Despite her vigilance, complications arose, and her baby’s size necessitated a C-section.
Medical experts like Dr. Ester Mwaura emphasize the importance of early detection and consistent monitoring to mitigate these risks. Regular prenatal visits, careful sugar level management, and proper treatment can significantly improve outcomes for both mother and child. Although the journey is fraught with challenges, with the right care, mothers with diabetes can navigate pregnancy safely and bring healthy babies into the world.
